INTERPRETIVE ACTIVITIES APRIL 2016
_______________________________________________________________________________________ UNLESS NOTED, ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE OF CHARGE AND HELD AT THE VISITOR CENTER
(OPEN DAILY 9 AM to 5 PM) DENOTES PROGRAMS ACCESSIBLE TO DISABLED. PLEASE CALL AHEAD FOR SPECIAL NEEDS ACCOMMODATION, (760) 767-4205.
DOGS ARE NOT PERMITTED ON TRAILS OR TOURS.
Friday, April 1, 2016 8:00 p.m. Talk – Enjoy Anza-Borrego’s Dark Night Sky! 1 Hour
Desert evenings are perfect for Stargazing! Explore constellations and learn about the
importance of dark skies everywhere. Bring warm clothing, a chair or blanket to sit on,
binoculars if you have them and flashlight (red lens is preferable, to preserve night
vision). Telescope viewing of Jupiter, galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae if weather
permits. Meet on the roof of the Visitor Center. Rainy or cloudy weather cancels.
Saturday, April 2, 2016 7:30 a.m. Walk – Bird Walk 1.5 Hours
Join Volunteer Naturalist Ann Keenan for a walk around the Visitor Center vicinity looking for the
common birds of our desert. All birding levels welcome. Meet in the Visitor Center parking lot.
Please bring binoculars. Rain cancels.
9:00 a.m. – Bike Ride – Bikes & Brews up Glorieta Canyon 4 Hours This ride will be a strenuous 15-mile mountain bike ride up Glorieta Canyon. We will meet at the
BWD pump station off Borrego Springs Rd. then climb our way up Glorieta Canyon to the
turn-a-round at the end of the road. After a break we will ride the dirt road east, past some amazing
“Sky Art” and back to our cars at the end of the trail. Please read the online description and register
in advance for this program. Go to www.theABF.org/events or call 760-767-0446 ext 1003.
8:00 p.m. Campfire Program - Mystery Cat: Anza-Borrego’s Elusive Mountain Lion 45 Min.
Join Volunteer Naturalist Don Endicott for a 45-minute
multi-media introduction to the natural history of the Park's
seldom seen apex predator. Don's talk will describe the
amazing attributes and signature behaviors of our big cats,
show how relationships between Mountain Lions and people
changed over time, and outline their key contributions to a
healthy wilderness environment. Meet at the campfire center in
Borrego Palm Canyon campground.
Saturday and Sunday, April 2-3, 2016
ARCHAEOLOGY WEEKEND: ANCIENT LAKE CAHUILLA See next pages for detailed listing of events.
INTERPRETIVE ACTIVITIES APRIL 2016
_______________________________________________________________________________________ UNLESS NOTED, ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE OF CHARGE AND HELD AT THE VISITOR CENTER
(OPEN DAILY 9 AM to 5 PM) DENOTES PROGRAMS ACCESSIBLE TO DISABLED. PLEASE CALL AHEAD FOR SPECIAL NEEDS ACCOMMODATION, (760) 767-4205.
DOGS ARE NOT PERMITTED ON TRAILS OR TOURS.
INTERPRETIVE ACTIVITIES APRIL 2016
_______________________________________________________________________________________ UNLESS NOTED, ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE OF CHARGE AND HELD AT THE VISITOR CENTER
(OPEN DAILY 9 AM to 5 PM) DENOTES PROGRAMS ACCESSIBLE TO DISABLED. PLEASE CALL AHEAD FOR SPECIAL NEEDS ACCOMMODATION, (760) 767-4205.
DOGS ARE NOT PERMITTED ON TRAILS OR TOURS.
INTERPRETIVE ACTIVITIES APRIL 2016
_______________________________________________________________________________________ UNLESS NOTED, ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE OF CHARGE AND HELD AT THE VISITOR CENTER
(OPEN DAILY 9 AM to 5 PM) DENOTES PROGRAMS ACCESSIBLE TO DISABLED. PLEASE CALL AHEAD FOR SPECIAL NEEDS ACCOMMODATION, (760) 767-4205.
DOGS ARE NOT PERMITTED ON TRAILS OR TOURS.
Tuesday, April 5, 2016 8:30 a.m. Hike – Pinyon Ridge 7 Hours
Join Volunteer Naturalists Ted Caragozian and Paul Larson for a moderately strenuous (approx 6-9
miles) in the higher country with some great views and wildflowers. Wear sturdy shoes; bring a
snack and plenty of water as this is a fairly strenuous hike. Meet at the Visitor Center parking lot.
Four-wheel-drive(or all-wheel drive) is mandatory with some carpooling available.
8:30 a.m. Member Hike – Free ABF Member Hike 3.5 Hours
Join ABF for our weekly member hikes. Led by Park Rangers, retired Park Rangers, and other
Park enthusiasts, these hikes will take you to little-known but easily accessible spots throughout the
northern area of the Park. Meet at the State Park Store in the Mall. These hikes are a free perk for
ABF members. Not a member? Ask about joining at the Visitor Center or State Park Store. Visit
www.theabf.org/2016-member-hikes or call 760-767-0446 ext. 1003 for more information. No
advance registration required.
Wednesday, April 6, 2016 8:30 a.m. Hike – Big Spring Ramble 2.5 Hours
Join Volunteer Naturalist Ted Caragozian to discover an oasis in the transition zone and see what’s
blooming. Meet at the pullout at mile 11.3 on highway S-22 for an easy-paced walk to Big Spring
in Tubb Canyon. Wear sturdy footwear, a hat, and carry water. This hike is rated moderate.
Thursday, April 7, 2016 8:00 a.m. Hike – Eagle Rock 6 Hours
Join Volunteer Naturalists Paul Larson and Mary Ekelund for a hike through an oak forest into a
beautiful meadow along the Pacific Crest Trail. Plan to snack at the Eagle Rock before returning to
the starting point. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water for this 7-mile round-trip hike. Meet at the
back of the Visitor Center Parking Lot.
4:00 p.m. Garden Walk - Petals, Leaves, and Pollen 1 Hour
Knowing all the desert flowers can be frustrating and overwhelming. Join Park Interpretive
Specialist Regina Reiter to discover an imaginative and satisfying way to name the flowers
and a key sense for confidently engaging with Nature.
Friday, April 8, 2016 10:00 a.m. Talk – Paleontology Lecture 2 Hours
Join the Paleontology Society for their monthly lecture series. Open to the public. Meet in the
Discovery Lab at the Visitor Center.
INTERPRETIVE ACTIVITIES APRIL 2016
_______________________________________________________________________________________ UNLESS NOTED, ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE OF CHARGE AND HELD AT THE VISITOR CENTER
(OPEN DAILY 9 AM to 5 PM) DENOTES PROGRAMS ACCESSIBLE TO DISABLED. PLEASE CALL AHEAD FOR SPECIAL NEEDS ACCOMMODATION, (760) 767-4205.
DOGS ARE NOT PERMITTED ON TRAILS OR TOURS.
Friday, April 8, 2016 (continued) 4:00 p.m. Walk - Desert Inspiration 1 Hour
Join Regina Reiter, Park Interpretive Specialist for a sensory exploration of the desert in words and
color to nourish your connection with the rugged beauty of the desert. This hands-on experience
makes it surprisingly easy to enhance your enjoyment of the desert. Meet in front of the Visitor
Center.
Saturday, April 9, 2016 11:00 a.m. Walk - Garden Walk 45 Min.
Join a Visitor Center Interpreter who will take you on a stroll through the Visitor Center Garden to
discover some of our special desert plants. Indoor talk may be substituted in hot weather.
2:00 p.m. Junior Rangers 45 Min.
Special program for children ages 7-12. Discover secrets of the desert environment. Sign up at the
Visitor Center as space is limited.
8:00 p.m. Campfire – Animal Songs 45 Min. Join Park Interpretive Specialist Regina Reiter for a lighthearted look at the sounds some of the
Park animals make. You’ll leave this 45-minute program with new appreciation for some of the
Park animals and a song in your heart! Meet at the Borrego Palm Canyon Campfire Center.
Sunday, April 10, 2016 10:00 a.m. Talk – In Search of the Elusive Elephant Tree 30 Min.
The seldom-seen, endangered elephant tree survives in only a few scattered and isolated spots in
California. Join Volunteer Naturalist Karen Cormier at the Visitor Center to find out how to identify
these distinctive trees, hear why Native Americans valued the trees, and discover where you can
look for elephant tree herds “in the wild”.
12:00 p.m. Hike – Discovering the Archaeological History of the ‘Ehmuu Morteros 2 Hours
Discover the hidden secrets of an ancient Kumeyaay Native American village site. Join Volunteer
Archaeologist and Naturalist Sam Webb to explore both rock art and historic milling features. This
1.5 mile hike is over uneven terrain. Be sure to bring the usual water, hat, and sturdy footwear.
Meet at the Morteros trailhead in Blair Valley, about 3 miles off Highway S-2 on a dirt road (turn
into Blair Valley near Mile Marker 23).
4:00 p.m. Walk - Rainbow Any Day 1 Hour
Even when it’s not raining, you can discover a rainbow of color in the desert. Join Park Interpretive
Specialist Regina Reiter for a unique view of the desert near the Visitor Center, exploring how color
occurs and reveals the details of the desert that we often only glimpse. Meet at the Visitor Center.
INTERPRETIVE ACTIVITIES APRIL 2016
_______________________________________________________________________________________ UNLESS NOTED, ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE OF CHARGE AND HELD AT THE VISITOR CENTER
(OPEN DAILY 9 AM to 5 PM) DENOTES PROGRAMS ACCESSIBLE TO DISABLED. PLEASE CALL AHEAD FOR SPECIAL NEEDS ACCOMMODATION, (760) 767-4205.
DOGS ARE NOT PERMITTED ON TRAILS OR TOURS.
Monday, April 11, 2016 10:00 a.m. Talk – Botany Lecture 1 Hour
Join the Botany Society for their monthly meeting and a talk by PORTS Interpreter LuAnn
Thompson. Open to the public. Meet in the Discovery Lab at the Visitor Center.
Tuesday, April 12, 2016 8:30 a.m. Member Hike – Free ABF Member Hike 3.5 Hours
Join ABF for our weekly member hikes. Led by Park Rangers, retired Park Rangers, and other
Park enthusiasts, these hikes will take you to little-known but easily accessible spots throughout the
northern area of the Park. Meet at the State Park Store in the Mall. These hikes are a free perk for
ABF members. Not a member? Ask about joining at the Visitor Center or State Park Store. Visit
www.theabf.org/2016-member-hikes or call 760-767-0446 ext. 1003 for more information.
Thursday, April 14, 2016 8:00 a.m. Hike - Badlands Bench with a View 2 Hours
Join Volunteer Naturalists Paul Larson and Mary Ekelund for a moderate 2 ½ mile hike up a
badlands wash to a memorial bench with a marvelous view. Learn about some interesting plants and
geological features along the way. Meet at the intersection of Inspiration Wash and S-22 by driving
east on S-22 past Mile Marker 28 for 1/2 mile.
4:00 p.m. Garden Walk - Petals, Leaves, and Pollen 1 Hour
Knowing all the desert flowers can be frustrating and overwhelming. Join Park Interpretive
Specialist Regina Reiter to discover an imaginative and satisfying way to name the flowers
and a key sense for confidently engaging with Nature.
Friday, April 15, 2016 4:00 p.m. Walk - Rainbow Any Day 1 Hour
Even when it’s not raining, you can discover a rainbow of color in the desert. Join Park Interpretive
Specialist Regina Reiter for a unique view of the desert near the Visitor Center, exploring how color
occurs and reveals the details of the desert that we often only glimpse. Meet in front of the Visitor
Center.
Saturday, April 16, 2016 7:30 a.m. Walk – Bird Walk 1.5 Hours
Join Volunteer Naturalist Ann Keenan for a walk around the Visitor Center vicinity looking for the
common birds of our desert. All birding levels welcome. Meet in the Visitor Center parking lot.
Please bring binoculars. Rain cancels.
INTERPRETIVE ACTIVITIES APRIL 2016
_______________________________________________________________________________________ UNLESS NOTED, ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE OF CHARGE AND HELD AT THE VISITOR CENTER
(OPEN DAILY 9 AM to 5 PM) DENOTES PROGRAMS ACCESSIBLE TO DISABLED. PLEASE CALL AHEAD FOR SPECIAL NEEDS ACCOMMODATION, (760) 767-4205.
DOGS ARE NOT PERMITTED ON TRAILS OR TOURS.
Saturday, April 16, 2016 (continued) 8:30 a.m. – Hike – Hikes & Hops on the PCT near Anza 4 Hours
Join ABF for a trip near a lesser-visited part of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, up near the town
of Anza. Visit www.theabf.org/events or call 760-767-0446 ext 1003 for more information and
registration.
11:00 a.m. Walk - Garden Walk 45 Min.
Join a Visitor Center Interpreter who will take you on a stroll through the Visitor Center Garden to
discover some of our special desert plants. Indoor talk may be substituted in hot weather.
2:00 p.m. Junior Rangers 45 Min.
Special program for children ages 7-12. Discover secrets of the desert environment. Sign up at the
Visitor Center as space is limited.
4:00 p.m. Walk - Desert Inspiration 1 Hour
Join Regina Reiter, Park Interpretive Specialist for a sensory exploration of the desert in words and
color to nourish your connection with the rugged beauty of the desert. This hands-on experience
makes it surprisingly easy to enhance your enjoyment of the desert. Meet in front of the Visitor
Center.
Tuesday, April 19, 2016 8:30 a.m. Member Hike – Free ABF Member Hike 3.5 Hours
Join ABF for our weekly member hikes. Led by Park Rangers, retired Park Rangers, and other
Park enthusiasts, these hikes will take you to little-known but easily accessible spots throughout the
northern area of the Park. Meet at the State Park Store in the Mall. These hikes are a free perk for
ABF members. Not a member? Ask about joining at the Visitor Center or State Park Store. Visit
www.theabf.org/2016-member-hikes or call 760-767-0446 ext. 1003 for more information. No
advance registration required.
2:00 p.m. Talk – Cosmic Recycling:Geological Highlights of the Anza-Borrego Region 1 Hour
Southern California has a rich and varied geological history. Volunteer Naturalist Ted Caragozian
will relate some of the fascinating local lore and how it ties into the larger picture. Meets in the
Discovery Lab at the Visitor Center.
5:00 p.m. Hike – Sunset/Moonlight Hike 5 Hours
Join Volunteer Naturalists Ted Caragozian and Paul Larson for a desert hike to enjoy the sunset over
the mountains and return under the nearly full moon to get a different perspective of the desert at a
surprise location. Bring warm clothes and a flashlight (to be used only if necessary). We will cover
as much as six miles and the daylight portion will involve walking over uneven ground. Limited to
15 participants – please sign-up at the Visitor Center and include your phone number for details.
INTERPRETIVE ACTIVITIES APRIL 2016
_______________________________________________________________________________________ UNLESS NOTED, ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE OF CHARGE AND HELD AT THE VISITOR CENTER
(OPEN DAILY 9 AM to 5 PM) DENOTES PROGRAMS ACCESSIBLE TO DISABLED. PLEASE CALL AHEAD FOR SPECIAL NEEDS ACCOMMODATION, (760) 767-4205.
DOGS ARE NOT PERMITTED ON TRAILS OR TOURS.
Wednesday, April 20, 2016 8:30 a.m. Hike – Culp Valley Walkabout 3 Hours
Join Volunteer Naturalist Ted Caragozian for a walkabout in the transition habitat of Culp Valley
and experience Pena Spring and its associated riparian area. Then follow a section of the Riding and
Hiking Trail to an outstanding overlook before looping back to the start. Meet at the entrance to
Culp Valley Campground between Mile Markers 9 and 9.5 on highway S-22. This hike is rated
moderate.
Thursday, April 21, 2016 8:00 a.m. Hike – South Palm Wash 3 Hours
Join Volunteer Naturalists Paul Larson and Mary Ekelund for a hike up a wash, then into a beautiful
slot canyon up to a 20-25 foot dry waterfall. There is a rockfall about 100 meters before the
waterfall that can be negotiated by those who choose. Meet at the overlook at mile marker 38 on
S22 (at the phone call box near the Calcite Mine) for this moderate 4-mile hike.
Friday & Saturday, April 22- 23, 2016 Education Program – Responses of Birds to Large-Scale Wildfires in Western ABDSP 2 Days
This Anza-Borrego: In Focus presentation and field class with Philip Unitt, Curator of Birds and
Mammals at theNAT, will cover his work examining the responses of 100 species of birds to the
Pines, Coyote and Cedar wildfires of 2002-2003 in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and surrounding
habitat. He has identified responses and trends in these species which apply both to historic fire
recovery and may speak to impacts to species distribution from projected climate change models.
The field tour will include a 4-mile hike on the Pacific Crest Trail from the Lucky 5 trailhead and an
exploration of the area burned in the Pines fire, if time allows. Visit www.theABF.org/events or call
760-767-0446 ext 1003 for more information.
Saturday, April 23, 2016 11:00 a.m. Walk - Garden Walk 45 Min.
Join a Visitor Center Interpreter who will take you on a stroll through the Visitor Center Garden to
discover some of our special desert plants. Indoor talk may be substituted in hot weather.
12:00 p.m. Hike – Discovering the Archaeological History of the ‘Ehmuu Morteros 2 Hours
Discover the hidden secrets of an ancient Kumeyaay Native American village site. Join Volunteer
Archaeologist and Naturalist Sam Webb to explore both rock art and historic milling features. This
1.5 mile hike is over uneven terrain. Be sure to bring the usual water, hat, and sturdy footwear.
Meet at the Morteros trailhead in Blair Valley, about 3 miles off Highway S-2 on a dirt road (turn
into Blair Valley near Mile Marker 23).
INTERPRETIVE ACTIVITIES APRIL 2016
_______________________________________________________________________________________ UNLESS NOTED, ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE OF CHARGE AND HELD AT THE VISITOR CENTER
(OPEN DAILY 9 AM to 5 PM) DENOTES PROGRAMS ACCESSIBLE TO DISABLED. PLEASE CALL AHEAD FOR SPECIAL NEEDS ACCOMMODATION, (760) 767-4205.
DOGS ARE NOT PERMITTED ON TRAILS OR TOURS.
Saturday, April 23, 2016 (continued) 1:00 p.m. Talk - The Pollen Path: Seasonal Movements of Native Americans 1 Hour
Discover the amazing secrets of the Native Americans who lived in the area that is now
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Join Volunteer Naturalist Steve Russell in an exciting journey
through the past as we take a look at how early residents migrated to take advantage of different
food supplies.
Tuesday, April 26, 2016 8:30 a.m. Member Hike – Free ABF Member Hike 3.5 Hours
Join ABF for our weekly member hikes. Led by Park Rangers, retired Park Rangers, and other
Park enthusiasts, these hikes will take you to little-known but easily accessible spots throughout the
northern area of the Park. Meet at the State Park Store in the Mall. These hikes are a free perk for
ABF members. Not a member? Ask about joining at the Visitor Center or State Park Store. Visit
www.theabf.org/2016-member-hikes or call 760-767-0446 ext. 1003 for more information. No
advance registration required.
Thursday, April 28, 2016 8:00 a.m. Hike – Pacific Crest Trail 7 Hours
Enjoy a leisurely hike along the PCT from Barrel Spring to Warner Springs. This stretch is about 8
miles of beautiful and easy terrain with mountain flowers. Meet Volunteer Naturalists Paul Larson
and Mary Ekelund at Mile Marker 1 on Highway S22 just west of Ranchita for a car shuttle to
Warner Springs.
2:00 p.m. Talk – Archaeology Lecture 2 Hours
Join the Archaeology Society for their monthly meeting and lecture. Open to the public. Meet in the
Discovery Lab at the Visitor Center.
Saturday, April 30, 2016 7:30 a.m. Walk – Bird Walk 1.5 Hours
Join Volunteer Naturalist Ann Keenan for a walk around the Visitor Center vicinity looking for the
common birds of our desert. All birding levels welcome. Meet in the Visitor Center parking lot.
Please bring binoculars. Rain cancels.
11:00 a.m. Walk - Garden Walk 45 Min.
Join a Visitor Center Interpreter who will take you on a stroll through the Visitor Center Garden to
discover some of our special desert plants. Indoor talk may be substituted in hot weather.
INTERPRETIVE ACTIVITIES APRIL 2016
_______________________________________________________________________________________ UNLESS NOTED, ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE OF CHARGE AND HELD AT THE VISITOR CENTER
(OPEN DAILY 9 AM to 5 PM) DENOTES PROGRAMS ACCESSIBLE TO DISABLED. PLEASE CALL AHEAD FOR SPECIAL NEEDS ACCOMMODATION, (760) 767-4205.
DOGS ARE NOT PERMITTED ON TRAILS OR TOURS.
DESERT SAFETY
Carry water AND drink it
Saving your water for the hike back has led to death
in Anza-Borrego. Drink plenty of water before you
leave home, while you hike, and on the return route.
If you feel thirsty, it is already too late. Drink lots of
water and drink often.
Make sure your vehicle is desert-ready.
Equip your vehicle for the desert. You should
always carry extra water, a shade tarp, a shovel, a tire
pump, and extra food.
Prepare yourself.
In addition to carrying water, you should have
protective clothing, sunscreen, a hat, a good map, food and a first aid kit which includes a comb
and tweezers.
Do not split up the group
Stay together. Never leave anyone behind to rest.
Have a plan.
Leave all your trip information with a friend. Tell him/her your destination, the route you intend
to follow, your expected return time, a description of your vehicle with license plate number, and
the time by which he/she should notify park authorities in case you do not return.
Leave snakes alone.
Many venomous snakes live in the desert. If you threaten them, they may strike. It is illegal to
harass, catch, or kill any snake within Anza-Borrego. If bitten, remain calm and seek immediate
medical attention.
When emergencies happen …
Stop. Stay calm. Seek shelter. If you are with your vehicle, remain there; do not leave it.
Signal with mirrors, white cloth, whistle (three short blasts on a whistle, pause, then three more,
repeat frequently), and put your hood up. It is much easier to find a vehicle in the desert than a
person!!!